The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1887-11-19
THE CARE OF LAMPS.
How to Clean and Keep Them In Ser
vicezole Condition.


viceaSis Condition.
In houses where there Is no gas IL Is
particularly important that the lamps
should be carefully looked after, for |
there are few things that make house |
look so untidy and uninviting as III
kept lamps. Many people will not use |
them in sleeping-rooms, preferring to
use the spermaceh or wax candles.
They claim that they can not endure
the smell of the oil, which is particu-
larly offensive after the lamp is blown
out. There is no necessity for lamp
smelling so as to be offensive to any
body; and If it is cared for properly it
will not do so. 1t is best when it can
be done to place either lamp or candle.
when blown out, outside of the sleep
ing-room; but II there Is an objection
to this, and the lamp remains in the
room, there should be no more offensive
smell from it. nor as much. II it is well
cared for, as from candle. and II the
room is we'll ventilated. the most sensi-
tive organization need not feel any an
noyance at the presence Of a lamp in
the chamber.
One cause for lamps smelling Is the
use of poor oil. Never use poor oil on
any account; there is only the differ
ence of few cents in the gallon, and
the satisfaction that the best oil gives
outweighs all difference in price. The
oil resembling water most in appear
ance, with slight blush tinge. is con-
sidered the best Another and the
more common cause Of the smelling OF
lamps is the clogging Of the tiny air
holes at the base of the burner under
the cap. and the crusting on the inside Of
the cap. The airholes may be cleared
for little while by washing the burner
in hot soap suds, but this will have no
effect on the crust In the cap. 1t will
be as firm as ever. To look at the in
side of the cap there doesn't seem to
be any thing there, for the crust is
burnt on to the brass so evenly and
smoothly that it is, to all appearances.
part Of the cap. To clean the burner
thoroughly, put it in an old tin which
can be kept for this kind Of work.
cover with water, throw In lump OF
washing soda the size Of walnut, put
on the stove and let all boil together
about ten minutes. Remove the burner
from the water and wipe dry with an
old cloth or paper. II IL has been neg
lected for any length Of time. on the
inside of the cap will be found the
crust so softened that slight rubbing
with the cloth will remove It, When
thoroughly dried the burner will be as
clean and nice as when first taken
from the store. The soda very often
turns the brass to a dark lead color,
giving it an antique look which Is liked
by some; but If the bright brass is pre-
ferred, this may be restored by rub
bling with ammonia and whiting, oil
ashes If soda is not convenient boi
1t in good. strong soap-suds and 1t will
clean it very we'll. If burners are
cleaned in this way once every tive
weeks, which is not too often, they will
not get out Of order as easily and will
last great deal longer, besides insur
ing bright. clear light free from any,
offensive odor.
Try and arrange the work so as t.
clean the lamps the first thing in thu
morning after the breakfast dishes
have been washed and put away, for
they are left until afternoon, they ar
very apt to be forgotten, or, II remem
bered, they get careless, hurried clean
ing. Have pair Of scissors especial
for trimming the wicks. and have ther
l sharp. Dull scissors are never fit TO
this work. Lift up the cap and Gu
off the wick close to the fat tub
through which it passes, and it will b
. sure to be straight; then turn up tn
wick and cut small piece from eac
corner. which, when the lamp Is Il
Il will give broad, round-cornere
: fame. 1t is claimed by some ths
o chImneys washed In soapsud
break easier than those washe
in clear water. To obviate thi
}. If washed In warm soap-sud
= rinse in clear water and there will
no danger OF their breaking. Att
3 rinsing, let drain little while, the
. wipe with a soft cloth or piece {
newspaper. Once in while wash OF
the inside Of the bowl Of the lamp wit
n warm soapsuds to clear it Of the sed
u ment Of the oil that settles at the DO
y tom When trimmed and filed, wiz
I; well, put on the chimney and tuE
q q down the wick just below the top
= the fat tube. tits by leaving the wiz
II above this that causes that little Giro
. Of oil around the cap. and which vel
% often flows down the outside Of q
. bowl, pecessitating wiping before b
e ing lit When lighting the lamp s.
Q that the wick is up only short di
q lance from the tube Put on the CHR
n ney and let the glass get heated grad
. ally before turning 1t up to its III
height.
70 II cloths are used to wipe the lam
~ burn them when through. Don't p
y them away thinking to use them agai
q They must Of necessity be kept In
r close place, and are in danger at al
$ time Of firing the house. Many OF Il
20 fires with origin unknown were,
doubt. due to carefully concealed Ian
cloths. It Is better TO use newspap
for this work, which is much clean
and nicer than cloths, and may
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